"The arts develop skills and habits of
mind that are important for workers in the new economy of ideas."

Alan Greenspan, Former US Federal Reserve
Chairman

NJ Arts
Curriculum Teaches 21st Century Skills

"As the state of New Jersey works
to transform public education to meet the needs of a changing world and
the 21st century workforce, capitalizing on the unique ability of the
arts to unleash creativity and innovation in our students is critical
for success."

The Arts are
Vital in Attracting Businesses,Sustaining
Jobs and Preparing the Workforce

The arts
create communities with high appeal to residents, businesses, and
tourists. Governors increasingly
recognize the importance of the creative sector to their
states' economy and ability to compete
in the global marketplace. Arts and the Economy, National
Governor's AssociationCenter for
Best Practices

U.S. employers rate creativity
and innovation among the top five skills
that will increase in importance over the next five years. Ready to Innovate, the Conference Board

National leaders recognized the arts as a
vital employment sector this past year and included funds to support
jobs in the arts in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The NJ State Council on the Arts partnered with the
National Endowment for the Arts to strategically distribute those funds
to create and preserve jobs in the arts in New Jersey. The Council also focuses
on job development through its ongoing grant programs including the
Southern NJ Staffing Initiative and the Local Arts Staffing Initiative.
Both provide multi-year support to organizations for the creation,
expansion and sustainability of professional personnel that increase
the capacity to serve their communities and build a brighter tomorrow.

Specifically
designed for at-risk youth, the GlassRoots program in Newark has provided nearly 4,000
students with opportunities to develop entrepreneurial and life skills
through the business of glass art - both as artists and managers
- since 2001. Working with hot glass requires numerous high-level
skills including self confidence, discipline,
respect, trust and the ability to work
creatively as part of a team.
Managing the business of GlassRoots means developing skills in web
design, e-commerce, gallery management, event management, developing
new business opportunities, and more. Each
component of the GlassRoots program is designed to allow students to
test their interests in areas that could develop into academic or
career paths, helping them become self-motivated and armed with
employable skills for the future.